PK-11195 was first discovered by Pharmuka Laboratories. It was found to be antagonist of the Translocator Protein (TSPO) with potential for development in a number of conditions including cancer models, cardiac ischemia, seizures, depression, and anxiety. PK-11195 has been studied extensively in vitro and in animal models. In phase I clinical trials no anti-inchemic effects were found after drug administration. A tritium [3H] labeled and a C-11 labeled version of PK-11195 are both used diagnostically as PET imaging compounds.